A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method programmed in a memory of a mobile device, the method comprising: a. storing a first content on the mobile device; and b. automatically synchronizing the first content on the mobile device with a second content played on a second device using a signal to start the first content, wherein receipt of the signal is acknowledged by the mobile device.
A method programmed on a mobile device synchronizes content on the device with content playing on another device. The mobile device stores a first content (e.g., a game). When the second device (e.g., a TV) starts playing a second content (e.g., a broadcast), a signal is sent to the mobile device to start the first content, synchronizing the two. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of this signal.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content comprises a game of skill or chance and the second content comprises a telecast.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes a game of skill or chance on a mobile device with a telecast on a second device. The mobile device stores the game. A signal is sent to the mobile device to start the game when the telecast begins, synchronizing the two. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of this signal.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the telecast comprises commercials.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes a game of skill or chance on a mobile device with a telecast that includes commercials on a second device. The mobile device stores the game. A signal is sent to the mobile device to start the game when the telecast begins, synchronizing the two. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of this signal.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein questions related to the commercials are sent to the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes a game of skill or chance on a mobile device with a telecast that includes commercials on a second device. The mobile device stores the game. A signal is sent to the mobile device to start the game when the telecast begins, synchronizing the two. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of this signal. Questions related to the commercials are also sent to the mobile device.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein synchronizing comprises utilizing an audio or video recognition system with online access to the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by using audio or video recognition. The mobile device stores a first content. The audio/video recognition system has online access to the second content (e.g., the broadcast) to identify synchronization points and start the first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of this signal.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein synchronizing comprises using added audio or video events into the second content as synchronization points.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by adding specific audio or video events to the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. These added events act as synchronization points to start and maintain synchronization with the first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of a synchronization signal.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein an artifact is inserted into the second content recognizable by an audio receiver in the mobile device which is utilized to start and continually keep the first content synchronized with the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by inserting a specific artifact into the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. An audio receiver on the mobile device recognizes this artifact, which is then utilized to start and continuously keep the first content synchronized with the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the initial synchronization signal.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein information is inserted in a Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) or equivalent of the second content and tracked online in real-time.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by inserting information into the Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) (or equivalent) of the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. This information is tracked online in real-time to synchronize the first content on the mobile device with the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein synchronizing comprises adding a plurality of synchronization points to the second content which are used to continuously check to ensure the first content is synchronized with the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by adding multiple synchronization points to the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. These points are used to continuously check and ensure that the first content remains synchronized with the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the initial synchronization signal.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein synchronizing comprises inserting audio or video to the second content which is used to continuously check to ensure the first content is synchronized with the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by inserting audio or video into the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. This inserted audio or video is used to continuously check to ensure that the first content remains synchronized with the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the initial synchronization signal.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein existing events in the second content are used as synchronization points as start points for the first content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by using existing events in the second content as synchronization points. The mobile device stores a first content. These events serve as start points for the first content on the mobile device. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein a synchronization point is an event located within the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where a synchronization point is any event located within the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a start time of the second content includes using a recognizable signal.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where determining the start time of the second content includes using a recognizable signal. The mobile device stores a first content and uses the recognizable signal to sync the first content with the start of the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein a signal is inserted into an audio track to synchronize the first content with the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where a signal is inserted into an audio track of the second content to synchronize the first content with the second content. The mobile device stores a first content and uses the audio signal to sync the first content with the start of the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein information is embedded in the second content and tracked online in real-time.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where information is embedded in the second content and tracked online in real-time. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
16. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining the one or more start times of the second content includes using a recognizable signal recognizable by the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where determining the one or more start times of the second content includes using a recognizable signal recognizable by the mobile device. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein further comprising delivering a start time of a commercial using a recognizable signal recognizable by the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where a start time of a commercial within the second content is delivered to the mobile device using a recognizable signal. The signal is recognizable by the mobile device, and the first content is synchronized to the commercial. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein an artifact is inserted into the second content recognizable by an audio receiver in the mobile device which is utilized to start and continually keep the first content synchronized with the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device by inserting a specific artifact into the second content. The mobile device stores a first content. An audio receiver on the mobile device recognizes this artifact, which is then utilized to start and continuously keep the first content synchronized with the second content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the initial synchronization signal. (Duplicate of Claim 7)
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content ends when the second content ends.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the first content ends when the second content ends. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein a server sends the first content to the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where a server sends the first content to the mobile device. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
21. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content is stored in a memory of the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the first content is stored in a memory of the mobile device. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
22. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content is stored in random access memory of the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the first content is stored in random access memory (RAM) of the mobile device. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
23. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying the first content on the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and further includes displaying the first content on the mobile device. The mobile device stores a first content. The mobile device acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
24. The method of claim 1 wherein an earliest receipt of a lockout signal by participants is utilized for equalizing locking out all participants receiving the second content later.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device. The method equalizes participants' access by using the earliest receipt of a lockout signal to lock out all participants receiving the second content later. This ensures fair gameplay by preventing faster participants from gaining an unfair advantage. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
25. The method of claim 1 further comprising establishing an amount of delay by comparing audio or video samples derived from the mobile device linked to a game server by comparing samples to archived audio or video files of the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, and further establishes an amount of delay by comparing audio or video samples derived from the mobile device to archived audio or video files of the second content, linked to a game server. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein adjustment of an amount of delay results in synchronization of receipt of a television signal of the second content and presentation of game-related data on the mobile device.
The method of claim 25 establishes an amount of delay by comparing audio or video samples derived from the mobile device linked to a game server by comparing samples to archived audio or video files of a telecast (the second content). The adjustment of the amount of delay results in synchronization of the receipt of the television signal and the presentation of game-related data on the mobile device. The mobile device stores a game of skill or chance (the first content) and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
27. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a shortest delay of participants and applying lockouts to the participants based on the shortest delay.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and determines the shortest delay of participants, then applies lockouts to the participants based on that shortest delay. This ensures a level playing field by preventing unfair advantages due to varying delays in content delivery. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
28. The method of claim 1 wherein participants comprise ad hoc or preexisting groups of friends competing in a separate competition in disparate physical locations.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device where the participants in the game comprise ad hoc or preexisting groups of friends competing in a separate competition in disparate physical locations. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
29. The method of claim 1 wherein synchronization points are the audio or video data for the second content residing on the server online with the mobile device.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where synchronization points are the audio or video data for the second content residing on the server online with the mobile device. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
30. The method of claim 1 wherein participants constitute ad hoc or existing groups of geographically dispersed friends participating in a separate game of chance or skill.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where participants constitute ad hoc or existing groups of geographically dispersed friends participating in a separate game of chance or skill. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
31. The method of claim 28 wherein the participants are ad hoc or previously organized groups of friends competing against each other in a separate contest.
The method of claim 28 involves groups of friends (ad hoc or pre-existing) competing in a separate contest while the method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal. The participants are geographically dispersed and competing against each other.
32. The method of claim 30 wherein equalizing the participants comprises time stamping an amount of delay on game-related data.
The method of claim 30 involves ad hoc or existing groups of geographically dispersed friends participating in a separate game of chance or skill, while the method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device. The method equalizes participants by time-stamping the amount of delay on game-related data to account for differences in content delivery times. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
33. The method of claim 1 further comprising establishing an amount of delay through an automated system which samples an audio or video track of a satellite, cable or over the air telecast signal, linked to a game server, to provide information related to a precise arrival of an underlying television picture.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, and further establishes an amount of delay through an automated system which samples an audio or video track of a satellite, cable, or over-the-air telecast signal, linked to a game server, to provide information related to the precise arrival of an underlying television picture. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
34. The method of claim 1 wherein the second content is stored on a digital video recorder.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the second content is stored on a digital video recorder (DVR). The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
35. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining if there is additional processing of the second content increasing a total length of delay.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and determines if there is additional processing of the second content that increases the total length of delay. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
36. The method of claim 1 wherein a delay includes a digital video recorder delay wherein the second content is recorded on the digital video recorder and played on demand.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where a delay includes a digital video recorder (DVR) delay wherein the second content is recorded on the digital video recorder and played on demand. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
37. The method of claim 1 further comprising equalizing a delay wherein equalizing incorporates time stamping the amount of delay on a game lock out signal, imposing the amount of delay on an entire game data stream and sending game control data to the participant cohorts at the same time where client software delays presentation of game data based on a precise time of reception of the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and equalizes a delay by time-stamping the amount of delay on a game lockout signal, imposing the amount of delay on an entire game data stream, and sending game control data to the participant cohorts at the same time relative to receipt of the second content. Client software delays the presentation of game data based on the precise time of reception of the second content. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
38. The method of claim 1 further comprising establishing an amount of delay through an automated system which samples an audio track of a satellite or over the air telecast signal, linked to a game server, to provide information related to a precise arrival of the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and establishes an amount of delay through an automated system that samples an audio track of a satellite or over-the-air telecast signal, linked to a game server, to provide information related to the precise arrival of the second content. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
39. The method of claim 1 further comprising equalizing a set of cohorts comprising time stamping an amount of delay on a game lock out signal, imposing the amount of delay on an entire game data stream and sending game control data to the participant cohorts at the same time relative to receipt of the second content, where client software delays presentation of game data based on a precise time of reception of the second content by a group.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device and equalizes a set of cohorts by time-stamping an amount of delay on a game lockout signal, imposing the amount of delay on an entire game data stream, and sending game control data to the participant cohorts at the same time relative to receipt of the second content. Client software delays presentation of game data based on a precise time of reception of the second content by a group. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
40. The method of claim 1 wherein the second content and a game of skill or chance are presented on a same screen.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the second content and a game of skill or chance are presented on the same screen. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
41. The method of claim 1 wherein the second content and a game of skill or chance are presented on different screens.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the second content and a game of skill or chance are presented on different screens. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
42. The method of claim 1 further comprising using electronics for receiving and displaying the second content on a first screen and providing control information to a second screen.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, and further uses electronics for receiving and displaying the second content on a first screen and providing control information to a second screen. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
43. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content is sent prior to broadcast of the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the first content is sent to the mobile device prior to the broadcast of the second content. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
44. The method of claim 1 wherein the first content is sent during broadcast of the second content.
The method of claim 1 synchronizes content on a mobile device with content playing on a second device, where the first content is sent to the mobile device during the broadcast of the second content. The mobile device stores a first content and acknowledges receipt of the synchronization signal.
45. A method programmed in a memory of a mobile device, the method comprising: a. storing a game of skill or chance on the mobile device; and b. automatically synchronizing the game of skill on the mobile device with playing of a content program on a second device utilizing an audio or video recognition system with online access to the content program.
A method programmed on a mobile device synchronizes a game of skill or chance on the mobile device with a content program playing on a second device. The mobile device stores the game. An audio or video recognition system with online access to the content program (e.g. TV broadcast) identifies the program and synchronizes the game with it automatically.
46. A method programmed in a memory of a mobile device, the method comprising: a. storing a game of skill or chance on the mobile device; and b. automatically synchronizing the game of skill on the mobile device with playing of a content program on a second device, wherein existing events in the content program are used as synchronization points and start points for the game of skill.
A method programmed on a mobile device synchronizes a game of skill or chance on the mobile device with a content program playing on a second device. The mobile device stores the game. Existing events in the content program (e.g., TV broadcast) are used as synchronization points and start points for the game of skill.
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June 3, 2014
June 27, 2017
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